14 DAY TRIAL // As we were telling you yesterday, actor Patrick Swayze had already pre-taped his first television interview since being diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Speaking with TV icon Barbara Walters and having his wife of 33 years by his side, the actor has admitted to having only two years left to live, at best.
At the same time, the visibly drawn and thin Patrick also told Barbara that, no matter what the figures are saying, he was determined to fight this out in the hope that a cure would be found, which would allow him to live the rest of his life and grow old next to Lisa. His attitude and the way he has learned to deal with the situation are now described in the media as nothing short of “admirable,” “awe-inspiring” and “brave.”
“Five years is pretty wishful thinking. Two years seems likely if you’re going to believe statistics. I want to last until they find a cure, which means I’d better get a fire under it.” Swayze told Barbara in the interview. This comes in the heels of his already admitting that, even though diagnosed and told that his best bet would be a couple of months more to live, he continued to lead an active life, not missing more than a few hours of work in five entire months, while also going to chemotherapy sessions.
However, it’s not just the chemo that worked for him, according to his own admittance. Because he had lost too much weight, the “Dirty Dancing” star was also forced to take up gym once again, took up a healthier food regime involving many glasses of freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juice, and also tried homeopathic remedies recommended by various well-wishers. One thing that he is not willing to do yet is to quit smoking, despite being told that his heavy habit might have played a part in him developing the disease.
Although Patrick openly admitted that he had already started preparations for his funerals, when Barbara asked him whether he feared death in any way, his answer was, though a bit tardy, rock-steady - “No.” With all that, all hope is not lost, and he will continue to power through because he’s not yet willing to give in to the disease. “I keep dreaming of a future, of a future with a long and healthy life, not lived in the shadow of cancer, but in the light.” Patrick said.